Net gains at retailers in two-tier job market

A "two-tier" jobs market is emerging at UK retailers, whose eCommerce managers are being paid 36 per cent more than in-store colleagues.

PUBLISHED: 12:25, Mon, Dec 17, 2012

UK online sales are expected to rise 14 per cent this year

The growing importance of online trading is reflected in the £75,000 salary and bene-fits package for eCommerce managers running a division with a £25million-plus turnover, compared with general managers overseeing a store with similar turnover who earn about £55,000, according to business staffing company ReThink Retail.

UK online sales are expected to rise 14 per cent this year to more than £57billion as consumers increasingly shop on smart phones or tablets.

Kate Barron, director at ReThink Retail, said: "We are now seeing a distinct two-tier jobs market emerge. Executives dealing with the bricks and mortar side of major retailers are seeing their pay lagging behind colleagues who work in the eCommerce units of the same company.

"Retailers are not only paying more for the services of eCommerce staff but they are also fast tracking their careers. If you don't have eCommerce experience it's far harder to be promoted."

Online sales at John Lewis hit a £43.1million weekly high as turnover increased 11.1 per cent on the same period last year to £147.8million, driven by festive gifts for women such as handbags, jewellery and lingerie.